This weekend, the center will present an addition to this year’sNa Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko lineup that aims to provide spectators with a short education about the cultural significance tied to Hula Kahiko. A Hula Kahiko Informance, presented by kumu hula Leilehua Yuen and her husband, musician Manu Josiah (pictured, below), is slated for 10:30 a.m. on Sat., June 30. If you go, bring a mat and sun/rain gear. The 50-minute event is free, but you will have to pay the park entry fee.

During the informance, the couple will discuss behind-the-scenes preparations for the Hula Kahiko such as the gathering of lei foliage and the art of weaving the lei; traditions tied to the dancer’s costume; and meanings linked to dance steps. Yuen will present a hula at the end of the event.Various other cultural demonstrations will be available to visitors between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday on the front porch of the Volcano Art Center Gallery.

The center is on Crater Rim Drive, not far from a visitor outlook area at the edge of Kilauea volcano’s summit where, for the last four years, Halemaumau crater has been emitting a billowing plume of gas and ash. At nighttime, the crater is marked by a brilliant red glow cast by the crater’s below-surface lava lake.

The next traditional Hula Kahiko is set for 10:30 on Sat., July 7 at the center. Click here to see the full 2012 Na Mea Hawaii Hula Kahiko schedule.

For more information about events at Volcanoes National Park, click here.